Virginia was born Feb. 27, 1923, in Colliers, WV, the daughter of the late Hugh David and Myrtle Fox Thompson.

She graduated from Weir High School in 1941, where she was a member of the marching band and a majorette. After high school she worked at Jones Motors and Weirton Steel before joining the U.S. Navy as a member of the Waves. She was honorably discharged in 1945.

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She married Paul D. Welch on March 5, 1948. She was a long time and active member of Cove Presbyterian Church in Weirton. She enjoyed bible study, ceramics, reading, family gatherings, and travel. Virginia was past president of the Women's Association at Cove, and a member of the Eastern Star.

She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Vivian Crain, Elizabeth Thompson, Marie Williamson; brothers, Orbin "Bud" and Floyd Thompson.

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 1, 2014, 6-8 p.m. at Steel & Wolfe Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 3721 Main Street, Weirton, WV. Additional visitation will be held Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. until time of service at 12:30 p.m. at Cove Presbyterian Church with Dr. J.E. Rudiger presiding. Burial will follow at Fort Steuben Burial Estates, Wintersville, OH. Military funeral honors will be provided by American Legion Post No.10 and the WV honor guard.